IntroductionEver since we rolled out BensBargains.net 3.5 with a wider layout, desktop space became low in supply. The Dell 2001FP 20.1" LCD Monitor we were using at the time just wouldn't cut it anymore with its 1600x1200 resolution. Enter the Samsung SyncMaster 245BW 24" Widescreen LCD Monitor. Prices on LCD monitors were dropping like flies at the time, with the Samsung 245BW going for $330 and the Soyo DYLM24D 24" Monitor going for as low as $250. Based on its specs, we felt the Samsung was worth the extra money.

SetupThe install was fairly simple. It was, for the most part, pre-assembled. Standard accessories are included: VGA & DVI cables and the power cord. The power supply is integrated with the monitor, so there is no clunky brick to deal with. The screen is height-adjustable (but cannot be rotated to portrait mode) and can be tilted from -3 degrees to 25 degrees. There was no need to install any software since the driver can be installed through Windows Update.

ReviewOn paper, this monitor sports some decent specs. A 5ms response time means that there is no visible ghosting. The 1000:1 contrast ratio lends itself to deep blacks and bright whites. However, since it uses a TN Panel, the viewing angle is limited, and it cannot display a full complement of colors. Although this may not affect most users out there, it is something worth mentioning.

The default settings for the monitor are horrid. Brightness is set at 100 and contrast is set at 80, and the screen looks washed out using these settings. Luckily, there are settings to fix some of these problems. An included setting called MagicColor, if put on "Intelligent Mode," makes the bright colors brighter and the darker colors darker, improving picture quality immensely. If you lower the brightness and contrast settings, you'll also get a clearer, less washed out picture.

ConclusionAlthough it may seem like this is a negative review of the monitor, it is not. Out of the box, this monitor is a bit of a train wreck. But after a little bit of tweaking, it is actually a pretty decent monitor in its price range for recreational users. Graphic designers and such should probably look elsewhere. The 3-year manufacturer's warranty should put you to ease regarding the longevity of this monitor.

24" is at such a bad price point right now. Cheap 24" monitors are nearly 2x the price of cheap 22" monitors. Although you get more res with most, is it really worth 2x the price?

Also, since I play games I want a monitor that will run a normal res as its natice resolution. I can't play most games at 1920x1200 (1. my video card sucks and 2. a lot of games just don't support the res)

And finally, if I am doing work I'd rather have two decent 20" monitors than 1 not so decent 24" monitor for the same price.

Thanks Ben: I got this monitor for $330 from your listing. Even it is a TN panel- I have no complain at all due to the price. It's much better than other 300-400 range 24" LCD monitor
However when working with graphics, I still prefer 21" Sony trinitron tube Professional grade CRT monitor

Stand alone reviews by amateurs are only marginally useful, more for the glaring negatives. I prefer head to head shootouts with many products conducted by people who know what they are doing. Best way to find the best in class. If you like this kinda thing it's hard to beat Newegg or Amazon that have tons of user reviews.

I heard the Acers were crap.. even though people keep saying how good they are.
The one P series monitor looks nice in the pic, but i heard they fail a lot.

I like Samsung cause they usually make quality products, i know i love my HDTV thats made by them. I have a few years old 19" LCD that is pretty decent.
Ive seen the 245BW at Micro Center and it looked pretty freaking nice, even though they had it set up on a crappy computer.

Well, looking at that price, I think I'll stick with my good old CRT screens. I've got a Sony Trinitron 21", and an IBM P275 21". They're both great screens, with great contrast, excellent color reproduction, and a really crisp image quality. Plus, I got each of them for around $50 - $60 refurbed. When I look at all the shortcomings of many of the cheaper consumer grade LCD's, I just wish that manufacturers hadn't abandoned CRT screens. Not only are they cheaper, they've also got better image quality. Sure, they're heavy, but it's not like people move them around a lot.

I don't know why Ben or anyone else would settle for this TN panel when you can get the Soyo 24" for at least $30 less (usually on sale for $300 at OfficeMax, occasionally even less). The Soyo 24" has a beautiful P-MVA panel that will render colors better and has excellent viewing angle.

Maybe Ben just needed the more adjustable stand that this Samsung has. The Soyo stand is pretty bare bones, mine doesn't seem adjustable at all.

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